We know that spending time in nature is good for us.
Sometimes, we just need a little push to get outside and feel the effects!
That’s why on July 21, we are offering a variety of activities in parks across the province in celebration of Healthy Parks Healthy People Day.
All parks that normally charge a day-use fee will be offering free entry so you can enjoy the benefits of being in nature.
Special events
Did you know that the Discovery Program has offered interpretive programs to visitors for over 75 years?
Explore a new trail on a guided hike, play with your kids at a children’s programs, paddle a voyageur canoe, or tour a historic mine.
The best part?
Programs are free with your day-use permit or camping reservation.
Here are a few Discovery Programs happening on July 21:
Bioblitz & Art in the park, Grundy Lake Provincial Park
Staff are collaborating with the Georgian Bay Biosphere to conduct a bioblitz at Grundy Lake!
“What’s a bioblitz?” you may ask. It’s a brief period of time that experts and community scientists come together to record all nature sightings in a given area.
Stick around for a sunset Art in the Park to paint the stunning orange, pink, and yellow hues of the setting sun.
Forest bathing & scavenger hunt, Killbear Provincial Park
Join park staff for a guided hike and park-wide scavenger hunt.
Visit Killbear’s event page for updates.
“A sense of place” guided hike, Blue Lake Provincial Park
This guided hikes takes visitors through the Boulder Ridge Trail.
Use your senses to experience the trail in a unique way. Explore and reflect on your relationships to parks and other special places.
Meet Discovery staff at 2:00 p.m. at the park amphitheatre.
*Closed-toe footwear and insect repellent are recommended.
Guided hike & Art in the park, Darlington Provincial Park
Meet Darlington staff at 10:30 a.m. for a mindfulness-focused guided hike.
At 1:30 p.m., staff will hold an Art in the Park painting program at the Visitor Centre.
Visit Darlington’s event page for even more fun!
Silver Queen Mine guided hike & Art in the park, Murphys Point Provincial Park
Join park staff at 10:00 a.m. for a guided tour down the Silver Queen Mine Trail and into the historic mica mine!
Visitors should pre-register for this tour through the park’s gatehouse or by calling the park at (613) 267-5060 x0.
*Please note that while pets are allowed on the hike (on leash), they are not allowed in the mine or buildings. Wearing suitable footwear such as running shoes or hiking boots is strongly recommended.
Stick around for an Art in the Park session with Chief Park Naturalist Rachel at the main beach from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.!
“Remnants of the Past” guided hike, Neys Provincial Park
Join Neys Discovery staff on a one-hour walk to view the remains of Camp 100, a World War II prisoner-of-war camp, and hear about the stories they hold.
Meet staff at 2:00 p.m. at the Visitor Centre.
Meet our park ambassadors!
They’re located within 19 parks across the province.
Try a drop-in session, take a guided walk, or visit a demonstration campsite.
Check out posted events at the park’s front gate or comfort stations for more information!
Have you checked out our events calendar?
Use the park events calendar to see highlighted special events taking place, or visit each park’s webpage to find a full list of events taking place during your trip.
Pay special attention to the description to see if you need to register in advance for any programs.
Book your permit in advance at participating parks (yes, even on HPHP Day!)
Just because day-use is free on Healthy Parks Healthy People Day doesn’t mean you don’t need to reserve your spot (in fact, we expect to be extremely busy, so it’s even more important!).
Visit our reservation service to obtain a daily vehicle permit in advance for one of the many participating parks up to five days in advance of your trip.
Ready to spend the day in parks?
Use our Park Locator find a park near you.